STOCKTON, Ala. — The Stockton Civic Club might not take the most traditional approach to fundraising, but it’s certainly not lacking in taste – both figuratively and literally.

The club’s annual Wild-Game Cook-Off is slated to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Old Schoolyard Park on Alabama Highway 59 in Stockton, with all of the proceeds benefiting the park’s continued upkeep.

“It’s really a lot of fun,” said Spencer James of Bay Minette, who attended his first cook-off in 2010. “I really didn’t know what to expect. But it’s definitely one of the more creative fundraisers around these days.”

Cooking Team Chairman George Riley said there are still a limited number of slots left for cooks to snag, but space is running out quickly. Tickets for the event are $15 per person.

For the unacquainted, two-member teams are asked to prepare wild-game dishes or other foods typically served in hunting and fishing camps. The paneled competition awards cash prizes in both categories.

Past winning dishes have included venison, wild turkey, raccoon, catfish, shrimp, wild boar and even elk.

Ruth Sherrell said a paved walkway connecting the park’s two pavilions has recently been added, and the club will be adding additional mulch to the playground area in the coming weeks. The public-address system will also be improved to “expand coverage throughout the park area,” she said.

“Plans also include meeting the request of local moms to add a topping to the existing walking trail to facilitate walking with a baby stroller,” Sherrell said.

Of course, it’s not all about the food.

Local merchants have donated an array  of items for both silent and live auctions. To date, some of the items up for bid include a large gas grill, a two-night stay at Wind Creek Casino, Bay Bears Box Seats and camping gear from Bass Pro Shop.

Sherrell said cooks are also welcome to donate homemade cakes, cookies and pies that often bring top dollar from hungry bidders.

Live musical entertainment will be provided by “The Unknown Blue Grass Band” during the evening.

For more information or to register a cooking team, call Riley at (251) 937-6623.